The Comet

Since childhood, Gustav has been fascinated with the starry night sky, distant worlds he and his father explored with a telescope. One day, Gustav is eight years old at the time, his father disappears. The neighbourhood is convinced that his father killed himself. Gustav, however, is certain that his father was kidnapped by an UFO because he had seen strange lights in the sky and heard falling stones when a comet passed the earth. Twelve years later. The comet is back. 20-year-old Gustav, all grown up now, has taken over his father’s job as manager of a motel while taking care of his mother, who has a new partner. Gustav still believes that he will meet his father again when the comet returns. He finds support in the self-taught UFO expert Bill, who is desperately seeking evidence of life in space. Telling his mother she needs to look beautiful for his father’s return, Gustav gives his mother a new dress. He had his girlfriend Charlotte try on it beforehand. However, Gustav’s mother takes issue with his girlfriend. At this point, we don’t know why… But when his mother sheds light on the reasons and about the true fate of his father, Gustav is as shocked as he is furious – and goes in search of his father again. This time, his path is earthbound, not extraterrestrial. The search for his father becomes a process of personal emancipation and disillusionment. (Internationales Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg)